Electrical Motors - From a Mechanical View

Electrical motors are the equipments that are powered by the supply of electricity. These motors can turn the electricity into the mechanical energy. However, the definition of electrical motor may sound tough but the functionality of these motors is simple. now day’s you can avail a wide range of electrical motors in the market that use to come with different sizes and features so that the end user’s requirements can be met in the best possible manner. These motors are used for a wide range of devices that we use on a regular basis like mixer, blender, fan, player, car, washer, cycle, and several others. Otherwise, we can say that these motors are used for just every device that needs to move in order to undertake the movement of those equipments or appliances. But the question is that how exactly these electrical motors use to work?

Anchor and cave of an electrical motor.

How it works?

Actually, an electrical motor is the device that makes the best use of magnets in order to perform its mechanism which is also known as the electromagnet. In reality, an electromagnet is the magnet which is driven with the supply of electricity. It’s the electromagnet that is created while using coil-of-wires. These coils look simple and made of copper. These wires need to wrap around a magnetic field. Such coiled wire can generate the magnetic field which is quantifiable. In order to enhance the force of the magnet, the numbers of the coiled wires need to be increased. To offer it a complete shape, another magnet needs to be placed near the first electromagnet.
The second magnet is used to create an opposite attraction. Once the electromagnet will be switched on, the wrapped copper wires start rotating and this happened due to the 2 magnets which undergo the magnetism of the conflicting poles. Once they rotate, it’s the electromagnet that starts whirling an armature as well as handles the function of an electric motor. However, this is not the end of the whole process. It’s always important to keep that movement or rotation going. In order to keep up this rotary movement, the electromagnet’s divergence should spin or inverse.

Types of electrical motors:

Basically, there are 2 different types of electrical motors. One uses to run with the help of alternating current or AC and the other one uses to run with the help of direct current or DC. Alternating current helps in shifting the poles’ movement many times per second. It helps the electromagnet to rotate or to spin constantly without stopping.

Electric motor that runs on DC:

Prior to the invention of AC electrical motors, DC electrical motors were used vastly. It was the time when electrical motors running on the basis of direct current were considered as the best ones in this business. These motors can receive the energy required for their functioning, from batteries. In these DC electrical motors, you can find an extra element of part which is known as the commutator. It helps in maintaining the constant spinning of the motor around the axle. The commutator is actually an electrically functioned rotary switch and it helps in reversing the direction of the current so that the torque can be produced. Well, the DC motors are the devices that never contain the AC current. Starter motor used in the car is a perfect example of direct current electrical motor.

Material Engineering - Why a mechanical engineer should study this subject

Mechanical engineering is a field of study that deals with physics, analysis, processes, manufacturing, design and materials. In taking up mechanical engineering, you need to learn not only the theories, computations and designs, but you also need to know the materials being used in mechanical and industrial processes and all its properties. Commonly, in fields and industries, chemical engineers are the ones who handle materials and its structures, but as a mechanical engineer, you also need to learn this staffs because you will be the one to use those materials for processing and manufacturing.

Brief history of material engineering

Material science is one of the oldest fields of subjects in engineering and sciences. Ever since the civilization started, materials already exist, being used and processed. In the early times, people in stone ages have been able to invent and use stones and other simple tools for their food hunting and survival. Centuries passed, people learned to make alloys, which provides greater properties of the materials. Up to this modern period, people still study and research for improvements of materials. 

Mechanical engineering and material engineering

Mechanical engineers are the ones who design and invent machines. In doing so, they need not only know the design and the mechanism of the machine, but also the appropriate materials to be used. This is why materials science is an important subject in mechanical engineering. Materials science, also known as materials engineering, is a branch of engineering and science that deals with the applications of properties of matters, such as its atomic structures and molecular scales. It incorporates the study of both physics and chemistry fundamentals. In the world of mechanical engineering, materials science is an important part of failure analysis and forensic engineering. In analyzing processes involved in mechanical engineering, the performance and output commonly depends on the properties of materials such as dislocations, grain materials, interference and heterogeneity. Before doing and using any materials, you need to know first its properties, and that is what materials science discusses about.

Knowing about material engineering is important.

Basic concepts and terminologies a mechanical engineer should know 

In studying materials science in your mechanical engineering degree, you need to learn the basic knowledge that are very useful and can be applied when designing a machine. As a mechanical engineer, you must know the classifications of materials which include metals, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, composites and biomaterials which have different properties that would be your basis of selection for your design. You also need to know what processes these materials undergo and their applications in the industries. A mechanical engineer also handles the testing of the material, so you should need to know the different methods of testing materials.

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Introduction to Pneumatics - Using air for motion

Pneumatic technology is such a term that denotes to the utilization of pressurized gas for producing mechanical action. This technology is utilized in several industrial environments. These manufacturing factories are tested with inert gas or compressed air. Actually the air that’s used inside the pneumatic machines is dried. While the air is arid it’s free from dampness. When there’s no dampness in the air it can’t produce any difficulty to the inner segments inside the system. Oil or any other lubricants are also added thus the effect of friction could be reduced. With most appliances being air based they’re comparatively simple with design and need affordable materials for functioning.

As a consequence mass production could be input for developing pneumatic systems and this process will definitely save you a considerable amount of money and time. Significant technical benefits have kept pneumatic gadgets relevant within the ever changing manufacturing or industrial environment. One significant benefit is the total safety that could be found still within pneumatic field instrument. This benefit rotates about pneumatics aptitude to run without the utilization of electricity. With no electricity the harm of electrical sparkles can’t be created. With no spark your industrial environment danger of possible explosions or fires is decreased considerably.

Pneumatic fittings

Apart from that some specific pneumatic instruments could run within high radiation and high temperature industrial climates. This is a benefit since most of the electronic gadgets wouldn’t be capable of operating in these atmospheres without modify to solidify them. Though you can solidify electronic instrument, it’s more cost effective to utilize pneumatic instruments since they’re resistant to these surroundings by default. One more crucial feature of the pneumatic system is its unique capability to operate beneath a current failure. This’s possible because of containers which store compacted air regarding the precise reason of motor breakdown. Even the motor doesn’t run the machine could still function utilizing this amassed compressed air.

Comparing to hydraulic equipments pneumatic equipments have a cost benefit because of the truth that hydraulic equipment will charge you two times as a large amount as their pneumatic equivalents. Also while you contrast prices on setting up pneumatic water mechanization system with a standard electrical fitting the price savings by utilizing pneumatics are noteworthy. Closing as well as opening works nicely with pneumatic system because of its capability to uphold overload pressure states.

Apart from that, pneumatic actuators too pose an extended existence and will run with very less maintenance all through the life span of the actuator. Also pneumatic gadgets can be power driven by dense carbon dioxide. Since the pressure could be amassed within tiny cylinder, pneumatic appliances are easily transportable. Not like the physically operated tool, the air power-driven appliances are more powerful and efficient. Also air tools are often affordable and secure to run as well as sustain comparing to the electrical power appliances. Pneumatic tools have the advantage of having a superior power-to-weight-proportion. This enables a lighter and smaller device to be utilized to complete the same job.

Metals - Iron, Steel and Aluminum

Material is something that made of with matter form of one as well as more substances. This is also most used segment of any manufacturing or production unit. In this sense, any sorts of materials are the most essential part to create anything else from household products to building constructions. However, the terms of material is playing a most essential role in day to day life of people.

Apart from any others, materials are considered as the main source of mechanical engineering and industrial setting. Unprocessed raw material is used to made different types of finished products, which is used in different construction, distribution, and consumption.

There are various types of raw materials available to manage different needs such as:

Iron

Iron is a one chemical element within the sign of Fe as well as atomic number 26.  This is a one kind of metal in 1st transition series. Iron is also considered as the most general element for forming our complete planet Earth including both Earth's inner core and outer.  This is the 4th most common or required element in the earth coating. So, it is a most valuable and high required material in industrial settings and mechanical engineering sector.  Due to its flexible and long lasting quality this material is used in tiny product designing to large products designing.

Melted iron is a liquid

Steel

Steel is alloy of iron material and any others combined with carbon. While carbon is the main alloying element of steel and contain in the steel material within 0.002% to 2.1% as per the weight. However, steel is also containing some other elements to keep its durability and flexibility such as: carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, manganese, aluminum, nitrogen and oxygen. There are also some alloying elements deliberately combined to change the characteristics of steel such as: vanadium, titanium, boron, molybdenum, chromium, nickel, and manganese. Steel is one of the most precious and valuable element for different industrial settings and manufacturing units for production of different goods.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one chemical element within boron group in the atomic number of 13 and symbol Al.  This material looks silvery white and it never soluble in the water within the normal circumstances   Aluminum is also mentioned as the 3rd richest element after silicon and oxygen also it abundant element within the earth coating.  This material is making nearly about eight percentage of weight in the solid surface of earth.  This metal is also more chemically reactive, which native specimen is limited and rare to extreme decreasing of environments.  Apart from that, this material is a combination of more than 270 separate minerals in which main ore of this material is bauxite. This is also a low density mental, so most of the structural components are created from the Aluminium. Apart from these three, there are also numbers of materials available which are playing a most common role in the earth coating and in different manufacturing and mechanical production units. Now, there are also some new and advanced materials produced by combing these materials to make some long lasting structures.                        

Introduction to the Lathe

A lathe is considered as a machine gear that swivel the workpiece over its axis for performing different operations like sanding, cutting, drilling, knurling, deformation, turning,  and facing, with gears that’re applied with the workpiece for creating a point that has proportion approximately an axis of revolving.

Lathes are utilized in metalworking, woodturning, thermal spraying, metal spinning, parts reclamation as well as glass working. Most properly maintained metalworking lathes also could be utilized to deliver most solids of plane surface, revolution and helices or screw threads. Ornamental lathes could produce 3-dimensional solids of unbelievable complication. The materials could be held by either 1 or 2 centres, minimum one of which could be moved straight to lodge altering material length. Other work holding process comprise clamping the fastening the work approximately the axis of revolution utilizing a collet or chuck, or to any faceplate, utilizing dogs or clamps.  Instances of objects that could be produced over a lathe comprise gun barrels, candlestick holders, table legs, cue sticks, bowls, musical instruments, baseball bats, camshafts as well as crankshafts.

A green lathe in a metal workshop

Major categories of lathes:

Woodworking lathes

For you knowledge, woodworking lathes are considered as the oldest variety. In fact, all other diversities are come from these straightforward lathes. An adaptable horizontal metal bar – the instrument rest – amid the operator and material lodge the placing of shaping instruments, which are normally hand held. With wood, it’s normal practice to press as well as slide sandpaper adjacent to the still-spinning item after shaping to even the surface created with the help of metal shaping equipment. Also these are woodworking lathes regarding making plates and bowls, which have no straight metal bar, as the plate or bowl requires to be held only by one side from any metal facade plate. However, without this bar, there’s extremely little limit to the breadth of the portion being revolved.

Clue lathe

Clue lathe functions alike to turning as well as spinning lathe enabling for a properly radially equal cut regarding billiard cues. Also, they can be utilized to refinish cues that have been damaged over the years.

Reducing lathe

This kind of lathe is utilized in coin making where a wrap original is duplicated as well as decreased over the reducing lathe, delivering a master die.

Safety on lathes

Lathe is a power tool and it can seriously injure an individual if he misuses it or employ it regarding applications they’re not designed for. In fact objects could simply get caught up within spinning workpieces; operator must keep loose items like garments in a secured proximity from lathe tools. Some lathes do not comprise safety guards for preventing items from hurried out at the operators. In such cases, dust masks and goggles help decrease the danger of harm from airborne debris and dust.

Facts about lathes

All lathe tools, comprising metal lathes and wood lathes, have several critical elements. Lathe devices comprise a bed which offers a base regarding the device a tailstock and spindle to hold workload; a saddle for lodging house gears as well as other components.

Choose the Right Motor Type (AC or DC motor)

There are 2 major types of electric motors mostly used in different domestic and commercial settings like DC or direct current and AC or alternate current. The reference of AC or DC refers the way how electrical current is moved from or through the motors. Both kinds of motors have the different uses and functions.  In case of DC motors it normally comes in two types such as: brushes and brushless. Likewise AC motors are also comes in 2 different kinds as per use and requirement such as: two phase as well as three phase motors.

So, the differences within AC or DC motors are slight however these sorts of difference, which makes one kinds better for the particular use.

Choosing the right motor is essential

Choosing the DC motor

DC or direct current motors are used in such situation in where speed requires to be controlled. However, DC motors have a continue and stable current and it was the first initial motors comes to use. But these motors were found not better while it comes to generating power for longer span of time.  That’s why, electric companies were found by using DC motors to create electric didn't work because energy was lost while electric power was transmitted. Brush direct current motors are using rings, which perform current and form magnetic drive, which powers the rotor for comfortable works. Brush-less direct current motors are using a switch to generate magnetic drive which powers it rotor. However, DC motors are mostly found within the appliances regarding the home use.

Choosing the AC motor

In case of AC or alternating current electric motor used in different way based on it motor types. So, single phase alternating current is mentioned as the normal propose motors because these are working well in several different conditions. These sorts of motors excellent options for those systems, which are tough to start and required more power up front. On the other hand, three phase motors are mentioned as polyphase, which type of AC motors are mostly used in the industrial sector where high voltage need to power the heavy machines.  These sorts of motors are having huge starting power to made transmits lower levels to the overall power.

However, AC power has found its name from fact as per its alternative power supply process.  The percentage of energy given off through one AC motor is decided by the total of power required to operate any system.  AC or DC electric motors are used or found in everywhere includes home, car and industrial settings. Motors are playing a most essential role in day to day life of everyone to manage any of their works in comfortable manner.

What type of motor may be used or better but its really a great revolution, which can make many things easier and smoother. However, both AC or DC motor is having its own pros and cons that used in different settings for various requirement. So, these alternating current motor or direct current motor are having own specification  to work in different ways still both managed unique place and demand in the world of power.        

Star/Delta Connections – Used for the 3-Phase Motors

There are two ways to connect a 3-phase electrical motor. The first one is the star which is denoted in Y and the next one is delta that is denoted in A. Well, there are also some winding phases associated with a 3-phase electrical motor and they can be denotes as U, V as well as W and series of them can be presented in this format U1-U2, V1-V2, as well as W1-W2. In case of the Y or star connection, the winding phases of the same motor can be joined together in order to form the zero point and this mostly looks like the star Y.

Star connection of motor

For example, on a motor plate this value is 690/400 V. In this case, star connection can produce higher voltage and the delta shows the low level of voltage. Well, the current that can be mentioned on motor plate can even show the lower value for star connection as well as higher value for delta connection.  As per this rule, the main supply connection to the 3-Phase motor can have the terminals which are marked like U, V as well as W. And at the same time, phase sequence can be marked as L1, L2 as well as L3. This suggests the 3-phase motor will start rotating clockwise from drive end that is marked as D.

Delta connection on electrical motor

If you wish to make the 3-phase motor rotate in an anti clockwise motion, then 2 from the 3 conductors attached to the motor or the starter can be switched. To get a better idea about this, you can check the function of a cooling fan and look for it when it rotates in an anti-clockwise motion.
In some cases, the dual starter is taken that connected the terminals of the motor directly to function as per the power supply. In this case, the motor can acquire full flow of voltage due to the power supply. Due to this reason, high starting flow of current can occur through a motor. Well, this sort of starting is just perfect for those motors which are small and their capacity remains below 5 hp. In some cases, the reduced-voltage starter is employed for the motors that are of above 5 hp. The generation of reserve power and the reliability of power supply dictate the real use of the reduced voltage. It also dictates the fact that starting current should not be reduced for the induction motors. However, the voltage flowing for these motors can be reduced to obtain better results.  It can be accomplished through star delta starter, autotransformer starter and resistor starter.

Star-delta connection with loads (coils in motor)

As far as the star delta starters are concerned, these are known as the most usual ones used for reducing the voltage for the 50 hertz world. They are also known as the Wye and Delta starters as per the 60 hertz world. These are basically used in order to reduce the starting current that is applied for the motor during when it starts. This is done to reduce the disturbances that can arise due to the interference in the supply of electricity.

Engineering and Production Management

Being an engineer, especially a mechanical engineer, has a lot of areas and fields to work on. In manufacturing industries and engineering firms, a manager is usually, and often necessary to be an engineer as well, who has not just the managerial skills but also has the knowledge and skills in technical aspects.

Tasks and areas of an engineer manager

As an engineer manager, your job is to both monitor productivity of your workers and at the same time to ensure that the technical conditions of the company are in proper conditions. This job is a combination of being an engineer and a manager or businessman.

As a production engineer, you should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Design or initiate the designing of the whole industrial processes and systems for the production.
• Design and improve the structure of the product as well.
• Keep records on technical data and make those records always updated.
• Analyze technical output and forecast problems that may arise.
• Provide solutions on problems arise.
• Manage and provide proper technical instructions and trainings for the workers that will operate the machines and other working equipments.
• Be updated on latest technology news and issues, and apply new knowledge and techniques as well for the improvement of production.
• Consider the effect of the technology and processes being used on the environment.

Also as an engineer manager, you must have the basic knowledge and background on managerial and business aspects. You must be able to perform the following tasks:

• Management of technology aspects. You should be able to manage the equipments and the workers who will use those as well.
• Negotiate and deal with external stakeholders for business matters of the company.
• Provide schedule for meeting and discuss about the latest technical issues on the company, and the latest news and improvements as well.
• An engineer manager must also be available for consultation. Workers must be able to rely on the engineer manager regarding the processes and the work done on the industry.
• A good engineer manager must also have a basic knowledge on accounting principles, finance, management information systems, and quality control.
• An engineer manager must also have a background in psychology so he can handle all he workers effectively.
• He must also be able to apply safety and health standards all the time in the whole organization.

Introduction to Fluid Machineries and Hydraulics

The field of mechanical and industrial engineering is very wide. One of the sub-branches of this field is the study of Fluid Machineries. When you study fluid machineries, you will be encountering the following important terms, topics and concepts.

Pre-requisite subjects and concepts

Before you study fluid machineries, you should have taken up fluid mechanics first for you to understand the whole discussion. As mentioned above, fluid machineries deal with machines that use fluids as medium. So, you must know the basic properties of fluids:

• Density – the ratio of the fluid mass to the fluid volume
• Specific weight – the weight per unit volume of the fluid
• Specific gravity – a dimensionless ratio of the density of the fluid to the standard density. Typically, air or water is being used as standard density (reference)
• Viscosity – the resistance to shearing force or flow.
• Surface tension – the work necessary to transfer the molecules from the inside of the fluid (commonly liquid) to the surface to create one new unit area of the surface.
• Capillarity – rise and fall of a fluid. Capillarity is essential in small tubes but is negligible in larger diameter tubes.
• Bulk modulus of elasticity – the ratio of the change in pressure to the corresponding volume change per unit of the volume.

When it comes to computations in this subject, Bernoulli’s principle and equation is the common concept being used. This principle was derived from the law of conservation of energy, which states that in a system of steady flow along a streamline, the sum of all forms of mechanical energy will be the same at all points. Thus, making the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy remain constant.

Basic concepts of fluid machinery

Fluid machinery is the study of machines which use fluid as the major working substance. Note that when we talk about fluids, it could either be a gas (typically air or oxygen) or a liquid (typically water), as long as it has the ability to flow.  The main common purpose of fluid machines is to transfer the mechanical energy of the rotor into flow energy (kinetic energy).

Common types

Fluid machineries are often classified according to the working substance it uses. Basically, when the fluid used is gas, the machine is commonly referred as a fan (a blower or exhauster), or a compressor. On the other hand, if the fluid used is liquid, it is commonly termed as hydraulic machines or pump.

Gas-driven Machines

Mechanical engineering is a wide field of study. Fluid machinery is one of its most important subjects. Fluid machineries are machines in which fluid is their medium to transfer work. In studying fluid machineries, you must be aware that they are classified according to the types of fluids they used whether liquid such as water and oil, or gas such as air.
In the study of fluid machineries, when we talk about gas, it does not mean a gasoline or a fuel. Gas often pertains to air and other gaseous substance.

Fans and Compressors

Fans and compressors are two common types of fluid machineries that use air as their working medium. Do not get confuse with these two fluid machines. Take note that they work on different pressure difference.

Fans 

Fans are used to control the air movement in a low pressure, commonly at less than 10psi. Typically, a fan is sub-divided into two groups namely blowers and exhausters. A blower is a form of fan in which the air is being driven out to the surroundings through the discharge part of the system. On the other hand, an exhauster is a fan that works in opposite way the blower do. Exhauster is used to withdraw air from the surrounding through its suction part.

Fan performance

In studying fluid machineries, you should know the following concepts of fans:

• Fan static pressure head – the height of the fluid’s surface to the gauge point.
• Velocity head – head necessary to produce the flow of air.
• Total head – the sum of the static head and velocity head of the fan.
• Capacity of a fan – product of the fan area and velocity; the volume flow rate of the air.
• Air power or power output of a fan – power produced by the fan. 
• Brake power or power input to the fan – power being input to the fan usually from a motor.

Compressors

Compressor is also a fluid machine that used to increase air pressure (greater than atmospheric pressure) by decreasing its volume. Compressors, which are commonly powered by electric motor, are typically used in industrial applications that require air or other gases at high pressure. Compressors have two major classifications:

• Positive displacement compressors – these compressors have two types: the reciprocating, which are commonly used in internal combustion engines, and the rotary screw, which are often used in commercial applications. 
• Dynamic compressors – these can be classified as to centrifugal and axial flow compressors. 

Introduction to CNC Machines

The world of mechanical engineers revolves on machines and manufacturing processes. In daily activities of mechanical engineers, it is not quite easy to work on hands and tools alone regularly. The invention of Computer Numerical Control or CNC is a blessing to mankind especially to workers and technicians. Way back 1970’s, these machines are called Numerical Controls or NC, but later on changed into CNC when computers are widely available for use.

Industries where CNC is typically used

Today, CNC machines are widely used especially in fabrication industries where greater effort is necessary to produce finer steel and other metals. CNCs are now incorporated to machines such as lathe, milling, shapers and drilling machines. CNC machines are also used in metal-removing industries, electrical discharge industries, and wood working industries.

How a CNC works

CNC provides the operator a lesser task. However, a CNC operator should be able to know how to use this effectively to produce a quality work piece. Generally, a CNC is connected to a CAM or Computer Aided Manufacturing system and with a CAD or Computer Aided Design. These two systems will help the CNC improve whenever a change in the design or change in the process for the work piece is needed.

A CNC machine with computer control

Advantages of CNC machines

• CNC machines can be operated 24 hours a day. It only needs to be switched off for a minimal and occasional time. 
• One skilled and knowledgeable operator can operate more than one machine in a given time unlike having one operator for each machine. This would give a lesser cost for the company.
• Less effort and less skill is required for making any work piece with the CNC machines, unlike when working in a typical lathe machines and other manually operated equipments which requires a great training for the worker to perfect his operation.
• A single design of work piece can be made and multiplied with that same design with a very high accuracy.
• The software can help the designer make his design easily without the need of having a prototype. 

Disadvantages of CNC machines

• When a company decides to invest on CNC machines, they would lessen the numbers of their workers, thus will lead to unemployment.
• Most students that are taking up engineering or technical courses are not learning the manual operations of machines anymore. Most university is now teaching CNC operations only, thus pupils do not have the skill of operation lathe, milling, boring and other machines.

Bearings – Different Types Of Bearings

A bearing is considered as a machine component that restrains relative motion amid moving components to simply the wanted action. Generally, you can say a bearing is such device that’s utilized to enable linear or rotational movement, whilst decreasing friction as well as handling stress. Like wheels, bearings factually allow machines to roll, that decreases the friction amid the exterior of the bearing as well as the surface it is rolling over. It is significantly simpler to shift, both in a linear or rotary fashion, while friction is decreased – also this improves speed as well as efficiency.

How bearing works

To serve all the functions, bearing make utilization of a comparatively simple constitution a ball with external and internal even metal surfaces, to help in sloping. The ball carries the weight of the load itself – the power of the load’s heaviness is what forces the bearing’s rotation. But, not every load put force over a bearing in same manner. There’re 2 different types of loading such as: thrust and radial.

Different kinds of bearings

There’re several different types of bearings that’re intended to manage thrust load, radial load, or some grouping of the 2. Since different applications need bearings that’re designed to manage a precise type of load as well as different quantity of weight, the dissimilarities amid kinds of bearings concerns load kind and capability to manage weight!

Ball bearings

Such bearings are very common since they can manage both thrust and radical loads, however it only can manage a little quantity of weight. They’re found in a wide range of applications, for example in roller blades and also hard drives, however are likely to distorting if they’re overload.

Ball bearing

Roller bearing 

These types of bearings are intended to carry big amount of loads – the main wave is a cylinder that means the weight is dispersed over a bigger area, allowing the bearings to manage bigger quantity of weight. However, this structure means the bearing could handle mainly radial loads, however isn’t suitable to handle thrust load. For application where an issue is space, needle bearing could be utilized. Needle bearing works with minute thickness cylinders; hence they’re simpler to fin within smaller application.

Needle roller bearing

Roller thrust bearing

Such bearing are much like the ball thrust bearing, manage thrust load. However, the difference lies within the quantity of weight the bearing could manage: roller thrust bearing could support considerably larger quantities of thrust loads, and are thus found within car transmission, where they’re utilized to support helical machinery. Gear sustain in normal is a general application regarding roller thrust bearing.

Specialized bearing

Of course there are several types of bearings that’re manufactured regarding precise applications, like giant roller bearings and magnetic bearings. In fact, magnetic bearings can be found within high speed machines since it doesn’t have any moving elements – this stability allows it to sustain machines which move unconscionably quick. Giant roller bearing could be utilized to move very heavy and large loads, for example buildings as well as big structural components.

Large bearings for trains

Introduction to Welding – Modern Welding Methods

Welding is considered as sculptural or fabrication procedure what joins materials, normally thermoplastics or metals, by creating coalescence. This is often performed by liquefying the workpieces as well as incorporating a filler stuff to develop a puddle of molten substances which cools to turn out to be a powerful joint, sometimes with pressure utilized in combination with temperature of by itself for producing the weld. This is in disparity with brazing and soldering that comprise liquefying a lower melting point substance amid the workpieces to create a link among them, without liquefying the workpieces. Several different energy sources could be utilized for welding, comprising an electric arc, a gas frame, a laser, friction, ultrasound and an electron beam. Whilst most of the time an industrial procedure, welding might be done in several different atmospheres, comprising under water, open air, as well as within outer space.

Potentially welding is dangerous undertaking and safety measures are necessary to ignore electric shock, burns, vision damage, gasp of toxic fumes and gases as well as contact to intense ultraviolet emission. Till the conclusion of the nineteenth century, the lone welding procedure was forge welding, what blacksmith has utilized for centuries for joining steel and iron by heating as well as hammering. Oxyfuel welding and arc welding were amongst the 1st procedure to expand late towards the century, then electric resistance welding followed it. Technology in welding advanced very swiftly throughout the early twentieth century since World War I as well as II gaggle the requirement for inexpensive and reliable joining process. Following the war, different contemporary welding technologies were come into action.

Let’s have a look at the different types of modern welding methods available:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Known as stick welding that utilize a bar or in technical term it’s called an electrode which has a residue coating over it that melts or burns to develop a screen from oxygen, and few bars have packing metals incorporated to the wrapping to accelerate the welding procedure. Shielded metal arc welding is considered as the ideal procedure to weld outdoors.

Metal Insert Gas Welding (MIG)

MIG welding is a procedure which utilizes a wire pool for feeding wire to the joint as well as has a container of gas which gushes from the appliance to the welding grip to shelter the weld form air about it. The greatest portrayal in an assessment perspective is a cycle’s brake wire that has a cable running through which feeds incessantly to the joint, however; also this cable has a gas streaming via it that protects the weld from the air.

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding 

Also known as TIG welding is a torch which has a gas streaming through with a non delicate bar created from tungsten which warmth the metal as well as the packing metal is detained in other hand and physically incorporated when required. The non-consumable bar is only a bar that makes the arc to warmth the metal. It doesn’t put in to the welding packing material itself.                    

What is a Microcontroller (PIC, AVR, etc.)

In order to get more ideas related to the microcontrollers, first of all you should get some ideas related to the basics of these items. Well, these microcontrollers are also abbreviated like MCU or uC. These are also considered as the small computers and assigned for an integrated circuit and contain the processor core, programmable output and input value and memory and several other peripherals. It can program the memory in the forms like OTP ROM and NOR Flash.

These are also added for the chip sometime. These can also be added for the RAM of small size sometime. However, these microcontrollers are primarily designed for the embedded applications and to overcome the microprocessors which are used for the personal computers and for other general applications that we are using in our day to day life.

Some microcontrollers can even be used for industrial purposes. This makes it possible for engineers to write code in C instead of PLC programming for example.

Microcontrollers are the future

Microcontrollers are also used for the devices and products that are controlled automatically. The engine control added for the most advanced vehicles, advanced medical devices, office machines, remote controls, power tools, appliances, toys as well as other systems which are considered as the embedded ones are the best examples of how microcontrollers are used to enhance their performance and functionality. Well, these items are now used greatly for the embedded devices, products and appliances in order to reduce the cost for adding memory, microprocessors and the output as well as input devices. Before, these elements were used to take control of the devices and to complete the required tasks easily.

But that was a costly business and now with the implementation of the microcontrollers, this cost factor has been minimized to a great extent. These microcontrollers are really making things economical for the manufacturers of the appliances and devices. Now they can get better digital controls for their devices and products which were not there before. These days, you can also find the heavy use of the mixed-signal microcontrollers which are becoming common now. For these microcontrollers, the analog components are integrated and they are exactly needed for controlling the non-digital electronic items and systems.

PIC and AVR

Well, this is always asked that which one is better, the PIC or the AVR? Well, there is hardly any simple answers you can find for this question, as both them have advantages as well as bad points. With time the manufacturing process for them has made them similar in their functions and now you can find both PIC and AVR which functions and works in the same manner. For the development of PIC, MPLAB is used and this is also considered to be a pretty stable one. It is also easy on the use and having both the C language as well as assembler. From the MPLAB, the programmer and the debugger can run very nicely.
However, the AVR is having the AVRStudio and this also has some of the most compatible features. Previously, v4.16 was admired greatly but now they are moved for the AVRStudio 5 that is quite enormous and it also uses a lot of frameworks from Microsoft.

Materials Testing

Materials science, also known as materials engineering is one of the important subjects of any field of engineering especially mechanical engineering. When you study materials science, material testing is an important topic that a mechanical engineering student should learn because commonly, mechanical engineers are the ones who test materials before using them.

Why a material needs to be tested

Before a material or specimen is used on its function, a series of tests are being made to prove that it is on its proper conditions and to ensure safety. Common properties of materials being tested include hardness, tensile and compression strength, break load, shear and bearing strength, ductility, elastic limit, Young’s modulus, elongation, rupture strength, modulus of elasticity and rigidity,  and tear resistance. In the field of mechanical engineering, metals are the mostly used and therefore, the most commonly tested as well. In some other areas such as civil engineering, concretes, roads, and structures are also being tested before using them.

Common types of material testing in mechanical engineering

Metals are the materials being often used for designing machines and other mechanical tools. In testing materials, there are two major types being used: destructive and non-destructive testing.

A. Destructive testing – this test aims to bring out the material’s failure under a certain load. This type of test is easier to analyze than non-destructive testing, but a bit more costly because it damages the specimen partially or completely. The following are the most typical types of destructive testing used in mechanical engineering field.

• Hardness test – this type of test is used to measure the material’s resistance to indentation over a specific period. Brinell hardness test is the most common type of hardness test. Rockwell, Vickers and Shore Sclerospcope are also used. 
• Stress test – this test is used to measure the constancy and stability of a given specimen and system.
• Impact test – this test is used to determine the amount the energy absorbed by the material up to its fracture state at a high velocity. 
• Crash test – this test is commonly used on automobiles which aims to determine the ability of the material when being crashed over a given time and speed.

B. Non-destructive test – this test is commonly used in testing larger specimen such as roads, dams, bridges, and infrastructures. These large specimens cost high and subjecting them into destructive testing is somewhat more costly. Except for the buildings that are established in earthquake zones, these buildings are often tested on how well it can withstand earthquake. But aside from those, non-destructive are typically used. Common non-destructive tests include ultra-sonic, Eddy current testing, liquid penetrate and radiographic analysis.

Introduction to Metal Alloys

In engineering topics, when we talk about materials, these are the basic substances combined and produced to be used in operations, processes and building machines. During early times, only natural materials are available such as stones and woods. But as modernization approaches, materials that are made by men are now available and are continuously being improved. Typically, materials may fall into four major classifications: metals and metal alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites. Metals are the most common materials being used and handled by mechanical engineers especially in designing and building machines. Metal alloys are also used in various thermocouple types to measure temperatures.

Metal alloys

Metal alloys are the most common materials used by mechanical engineers in designing and inventing machines. Metal alloys are mixtures of two or more metals combined to produce a better property. Metal alloys also play an important role in the history of civilization. The period was named after a certain metal alloy was discovered and was widely used over that era such as bronze ages and iron era.
There are two major types of metal alloys:

A. Ferrous metals – these are metal alloys that contain amount of iron. Typical ferrous metals used in engineering are the following:
* Cast iron – an iron formed by casting. These are commonly used for making gears, block and brake drums.
* Carbon steel – used to make drill bits and other cutting tools. This type can be classified as low, medium and high carbon steel depending on the amount of carbon it contains. Low carbon steel usually contains 0.1 to 0.25% of carbon and is used for carburizing. Medium carbon steel has 0.25 to 0.50% carbons and is usually tempered to hardness. High carbon steel contains more than 0.5% of carbon and is commonly used for wear-resisting parts such as springs.
* Stainless steel – alloy of iron, nickel and chromium.
* Wrought steel – commonly made by hammering, rolling or drawing and is used for bars and tube pipes.

B. Non-ferrous metal alloys – metal alloys that do not contain iron. Common types are the following:
* Brass – alloy of copper and zinc commonly used for screws, pistons, piston rods and shafts.
* Bronze – alloy of copper and tin, with small amount of phosphorous and is commonly used for clutch disks and pump rods.

Metal processes and heat treatment

Aside from adding an alloy to a metal, metal treatment and processes are done to achieve greater property. Common treatments and processes are the following:

• Annealing – process used to soften metal to improve its machineability.
• Hardening – usually done with quenching process to increase hardness of metals.
• Normalizing – used to provide uniform structure of metals.
• Stress relieving – used to reduce residual stress of metal.